An iconic name, says Ferrari. “We chose to call this model LaFerrari,” declared Ferrari’s President, Luca di Montezemolo, “because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company — excellence.” Bless him, English isn’t his first language.
Everything else about the Enzo successor, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
The latest Prancing Horse hypercar achieves 41:59 front to rear weight distribution, a ratio considered ideal by Maranello, with a compact wheelbase and low-as-possible centre of gravity. Four types of carbon fibre were used for the chassis construction, employing production methods from the F1 Scuderia, so that torsional rigidity is up 27 per cent over its predecessor, and bean stiffness is increased by 22 per cent while cutting weight.
The hybrid model is the first such car in Ferrari’s history, powered by the HY-KERS system — a 6.3-litre V12 out of the F12 Berlinetta here delivers 800CV and revs to a stratospheric 9,250rpm, while the electric motor adds 163CV, for a total torque figure of 900Nm. Maximum speed is therefore an easy 350kph, while 0-100kph comes up in less than three seconds, 0-100kph in less than seven, and 0-300kph in 15 seconds dead.
Essential in LaFerrari’s performance are active aerodynamics, honed by computational fluid dynamics and in Ferrari’s F1 wind tunnel.
At the front diffusers and guide vanes plus rear diffusers and spoiler generate downforce as needed, so as not to compromise the drag coefficient. The aero devices are automatically deployed based on a number of parameters monitored in real time by the car.
Thanks to all these innovations, as well as bespoke 265/30 R19 Pirelli P-Zeros on the front and 345/30 R20s on the rear, the new hypercar laps Ferrari’s Fiorano test track an astonishing five seconds faster than the Enzo and three seconds quicker than the F12 Berlinetta.
Designed by Flavio Manzoni and his Ferrari styling team, the car aims to blend form and function with a sharp spiralling nose, low waistline, and a heavy aerodynamic influence. The interior features a new steering-wheel littered with all the major controls and the whole cabin exudes a track-focused ambience.
Maranello is only making 499 of these and already the company has received 1,000 orders, so even if you have $1.3 million plus, it’s too late. Perhaps you can buy the new Lambo on the next page...
